What is a Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher?
Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher Definition Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher Responsibilities
- Assess fees related to registration of property-related documents.
- Summarize pertinent legal or insurance details, or sections of statutes or case law from reference books so that they can be used in examinations, or as proofs or ready reference.
- Enter into record-keeping systems appropriate data needed to create new title records or update existing ones.
- Prepare real estate closing statements, using knowledge and expertise in real estate procedures.
- Direct activities of workers who search records and examine titles, assigning, scheduling, and evaluating work, and providing technical guidance as necessary.
- Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities, and outlining actions needed to clear titles.
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What a Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher Should Know
These are the skills Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher
- Escrow Officer
- Title Abstractor
- Searcher
- Title Agent
- Lease Examiner
Job Opportunities for Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
There were about 69,000 jobs for Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.3% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,000 new jobs for Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 6,000 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher are Utah, North Dakota, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher Salary
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers make between $28,610 and $80,150 a year.

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers who work in District of Columbia, Oregon, or West Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $43,440 |
Alaska | $59,530 |
Arizona | $53,850 |
Arkansas | $37,060 |
California | $58,180 |
Colorado | $64,900 |
Connecticut | $57,130 |
Delaware | $49,160 |
District of Columbia | $74,080 |
Florida | $50,350 |
Georgia | $39,410 |
Hawaii | $58,260 |
Idaho | $66,690 |
Illinois | $47,670 |
Indiana | $40,020 |
Iowa | $35,560 |
Kansas | $43,550 |
Kentucky | $39,760 |
Louisiana | $38,370 |
Maine | $51,770 |
Maryland | $41,100 |
Massachusetts | $63,330 |
Michigan | $41,350 |
Minnesota | $58,170 |
Mississippi | $43,500 |
Missouri | $47,830 |
Montana | $48,250 |
Nebraska | $38,540 |
Nevada | $56,090 |
New Hampshire | $42,720 |
New Jersey | $56,870 |
New Mexico | $49,800 |
New York | $60,500 |
North Carolina | $48,880 |
North Dakota | $57,610 |
Ohio | $48,520 |
Oklahoma | $49,280 |
Oregon | $65,150 |
Pennsylvania | $46,170 |
South Carolina | $50,290 |
South Dakota | $50,120 |
Tennessee | $45,830 |
Texas | $57,940 |
Utah | $46,670 |
Virginia | $45,530 |
Washington | $49,440 |
West Virginia | $59,440 |
Wisconsin | $48,730 |
Wyoming | $48,120 |
What Tools do Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Salesforce
- Contact management software
How do I Become a Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher?

What work experience do I need to become a Title Examiner, Abstractor, or Searcher?

Where Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers work:

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References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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